Jan 2016 - Town of LaFayette, NY

Community Newsletter
From the Supervisor: Thank You
Inside this issue:
Message from the Town
Supervisor
1
Message from the Town
Clerk
2
Message from the Highway
Dept.
3
Town Directory
4
LaFayette Business
Network
5
Parks Department
6
Stafford Park Winter Rules
7
LaFayette Public Library
8
Court Corner
9
Independent Order of Odd
Fellows
9
LaFayette Optimists
10
Community Council
11
Agricultural Committee
12
LaFayette Outdoors
13
LaFayette Alliance Church
14
Columbian Presbyterian
Church
15
Upcoming Events
16
L
et me start with a
big THANK YOU for
the opportunity to be
our Town Supervisor. I
look forward to working
with everyone to
continue making
LaFayette a great place to live and work.
Another thank you to past and present
board members, elected officials, town
employees, and community
organizations for their ongoing support
since I joined the board in 2010.
One more thank you extends to Bill
McConnell for his leadership and
dedication to our LaFayette community.
His passion and vision resulted in
numerous improvements to our
planning, communication, funding,
facilities, and budgeting. I would also
like to personally thank Bill for providing
me with guidance, knowledge and
inspiration that truly demonstrated
what an exceptional public servant is.
Looking ahead – 2016
I would like to encourage you to come
to the annual organization meeting on
Tuesday, January 12that 5:00pm at the
Town office. At this meeting besides
eating well, we will appoint the entire
Town Team to their respective positions
and committee assignments. This team
consists of over 60 people that are
absolutely critical in delivering the
important services our town provides. If
you are interested in serving our
community in any capacity, please don’t
hesitate to contact me – let’s talk.
A new theme for 2016 will be, “Open
for Business - Town Hall Tuesday
Nights.” After re-arranging, adding, and
continuing several schedules, we have a
new monthly schedule. The new
schedule supports a theme of a one
stop shop for all your town needs. We realize
many people have busy daytime schedules
and evenings may offer the best option to
access our services. Here is our preliminary
schedule:
1st Tuesday of the Month
 Town Clerk 4:00pm to 7:00pm
 Town Supervisor 5:30pm to 7:30pm
 Codes 6:00pm to 7:00pm
 Safety / Risk and Facility Management
Committee 6:00pm to 8:00pm
 LCC 6:00 to 6:30 pm
2nd Tuesday of the Month
 Town Board 6:00pm to 7:00pm Voucher
Review
 Town Board 7:00pm General
Communication Meeting
 Town Clerk 4:00pm to 7:00pm
 Codes 6:00pm to 7:00pm
 LCC 6:00 to 6:30pm
3rd Tuesday of the Month
 Planning Board 7:00pm
 Town Clerk 4:00pm to 7:00pm
 Codes 6:00pm to 7:00pm
 Town Supervisor 5:30pm to 7:30pm
 LCC 6:00 to 6:30 pm
4th Tuesday of the Month
 Zoning Board 7:00pm
 Town Clerk 4:00pm to 7:00pm
 Codes 6:00pm to 7:00pm
 Town Supervisor 5:30pm to 7:30pm
 LCC 6:00 to 6:30pm
Thanks to all those involved who will make
our Open for Business Tuesday Nights a
success.
PS… The Library is also open until 8:00 every
Tuesday Night – check it out.
—Andy Ohstrom
Town Supervisor
PAGE 2
From the Town Clerks
W
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e hope you had an enjoyable and
relaxing Christmas and were able to
spend some time with the people you love the
most.
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE PUBLIC SERVICES:
 DEC licenses (hunting, fishing, etc.) and
Duck Stamps
Dog licenses (all dogs over 4 months of age need to be
licensed)
Facility Rentals (Stafford Park Pavilions and Community
Center)
Handicap parking permits
Marriage Licenses (please call for an appt.)
Notary Public Service
Passport Services (by appointment)
Veterans Discount Cards (F.A.V.O.R.)
Voter registration forms
Blue recycling bins are available for pick up
Please visit the Town of LaFayette website or call for
information regarding any of the above Services. Most forms
needed may be downloaded for your convenience. We invite
you to visit our office or call and we will be happy to assist you
in obtaining the services you require.
Also, please be advised that we do not accept credit or debit
cards. All transactions need to be paid by cash or check.
TOWN CLERK OFFICE HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9 AM –4 PM
Tuesdays 9 AM – 7:00 PM or by appointment
(Summer hours - closed Fridays; May - October)
2577 US Route 11, PO Box 193
LaFayette, NY 13084 (677-3674, fax 677-7806)
[email protected];
[email protected]
Offices closed on all federal holidays
Assessor (677-3420, fax 677-7806) Tuesday - Thursday 8:30
AM -1:30 PM. [email protected]
Building and Zoning Code Enforcement (677-5371, fax 6777806) Tuesday 6 PM-7 PM or by appointment.
[email protected]
Tax Collector (677-9155, fax 677-7806) Mail Property Tax
payments to Kitty Reinhardt at PO Box 193, LaFayette, NY
13084 or in person at the Town Hall.
[email protected]
January : Monday Wednesday & Friday 1-4 PM,
Tuesday 5 PM -7 PM
February/March: Monday 1 PM - 4 PM; Tuesdays 5 PM - 7 PM
Town Supervisor (677-5251) Tuesday Evenings 5:30 – 7:00
pm or by Appointment.
[email protected]
LaFAYETTE JUSTICE COURT HOURS
Monday - Thursday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. (Closed Fridays)
(Closed lunchtime 12:30-1:30PM).
Email: [email protected]
677-9350, fax 677-4622
Town Court - Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM.
Justices: Maureen Perrin and Adrian W. Shute
PO Box 135, LaFayette, NY 13084. Email:
[email protected]
District Attorney Nights - 3rd Monday, 6:00 PM
DOG LICENSING - The fees are $8.00 for Spay/Neutered dogs
and $20.00 for Un-spayed/Unneutered dogs. Licenses may be
obtained for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the expiration of the
rabies vaccines. You may pay with check or cash, via mail or in
person. Forms for new licenses may be downloaded from our
website. It is New York State Law that all dogs must be
licensed in the municipality which they reside. Please contact
Dog Control Officers; Ken Johnson 263-1000; Deputy Dog
Control Officer Michael Johnson 663-6378 for any stray/lost
dogs.
RABIES CLINICS – Onondaga County Health Dept. has not
compiled the list of Clinics for 2016. It should be completed
soon and we will have it available in our next newsletter.
As we begin this New Year, we want to
thank Bill McConnell for his passionate,
and successful commitment to
LaFayette as Town Councilor and
Supervisor. We appreciate the
numerous accomplishments you have
achieved in your 12 years of dedicated
service. We also welcome our newly
elected Town Supervisor Andy Ohstrom
. We look forward to working with him
and anticipate more good things in
LaFayette under his leadership.
HERE’S TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE AND
BLESSED “2016”!!!
—Jackie Bush Roorda—Town Clerk
—Kristin Colburn—Deputy Town Clerk
PAGE 3
From the Town Clerk—Getting Connected & Clean Up our Town
From
the Highway Superintendent
Hello LaFayette Residents What a difference a year makes. Last year
by December we had 13 inches of snow on
the ground already , but don't worry skiers
and snowmobilers ; it’s just around the
corner. The warm December temperatures
and lack of snow is a direct result of El Nino. Saying that , it
has allowed the Highway Department to perform more work
out doors such as ditching and building a small dome for our
sand/salt spoils (see photo). The plow trucks are ready to go!
During winter months we shift our focus on maintaining safe
roads so School buses and our residents can travel Town roads
safely.
For up to date weather conditions and events that directly
impact the Town , check out the LaFayette Highway
Department Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/LaFayetteHighwayDept
Christmas Tree Drop – off:
Our Highway Department will be accepting Christmas trees
from now until February 1st. Drop – off will be to the rear of
the Highway building past fueling facility. ( Look for sign )
Please no brush- 2849 Route 11 North
Have a Safe winter and enjoyable Winter Season!
We ask our residents to please adhere to State –
County – Town Laws:
1.
No parking on streets or roads from November 1st
through April 1st. This includes dead ends and turn arounds as it makes it difficult for School buses and
Emergency vehicles to turn – around.
2.
State Law prohibits plowing snow across State – County –
Town Roads
3.
Plowing speeds do not exceed 25 mph so please be
patient as our drivers clear the roads.
—John Greeley
Highway Superintendent
PAGE 4
Complete Town Directory and Community Volunteer Directory can be found on the home page or at the following links:
2016 Town Directory: http://www.townoflafayette.com/uploads/2/5/1/4/25140650/copy_of_2016_tol_directory.xls.pdf
2016 Community Volunteer Directory:
http://www.townoflafayette.com/uploads/2/5/1/4/25140650/copy_of_2016_community_volunteer_directory.xls.pdf
Town of LaFayette Directory 2016
Office
Supervisor's Office
Supervisor
Deputy
Secretary
Bookkeeper
Town Board
Official
Office/Home Phone
PO BOX 193
LaFayette, NY 13084
Andrew Ohstrom
Doug Daniel
Jackie Bush Roorda
Website: www.townoflafayette.com
Alt. Phone
Fax #
Email
(315) 498-9377
(315) 569-2999
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
(315) 677-9353
(315) 382-8694
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
(315) 677-3674
(315) 677-8006
[email protected]
Tom Chartrand
(315) 677-5149
(315) 677-7212
[email protected]
PO BOX 193
LaFayette, NY 13084
Supervisor
Andrew Ohstrom
(315) 498-9377
MEETS THE 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH @ 7pm
Councilor
Steve Zajac
Councilor
Melanie Palmer
(315) 677-3674
(315) 436-3544
Councilor
Doug Daniel
(315) 677-9353
(315) 382-8694
Assessor
PO BOX 193
LaFayette, NY 13084
Chair
Shawn Adam
(315) 677-3420
(315) 569-2999
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
(315) 727-5883
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
[email protected]
Councilor
Hours: Tues, Wed. & Thurs. 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
(315) 677-7806
Asessessment Grievance Board of Review
Chair
MEETS THE 4TH TUESDAY OF MAY @ 7 pm
N.F. "Pete" Paul
Member
Richard Stach
Member
Bettye Knapp
Member
Gregory Titus
Member
Jim Keefe
[email protected]
(315) 706-4983
(315) 443-1502
(315) 307-5216
(315) 469-6681
(315) 569-9328
[email protected]
(315) 443-3208
[email protected]
[email protected]
Code Enforcement/Building Inspector
HOURS: TUESDAYS 6PM-7PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
Ralph Lamson
(315) 677-5371
677-7806
[email protected]
Nick Kirby
(315) 677-5371
677-7806
[email protected]
Harrison Homer
(315) 492-2433
Officer
Ken Johnson
(315) 263-1000
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
Deputy
Mike Johnson
(315) 663-6378
(315) 677-7806
CEO/BI
Deputy CEO/BI
Constable
Dog Control
Facilities Usage: Community Center, Stafford Park Pavillion
CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
Scheduler
Jackie Bush Roorda
(315) 677-3674
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
Scheduler
Kristin Shute Colburn
(315) 677-3674
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
Highway Department
PO Box 209, LaFayette NY 13084
Superintendent
John Greeley
(315) 677-9535
(315) 559-3627
(315) 677-3239
[email protected]
Deputy Superintendent
Steve Robson
(315) 677-9535
(315) 952-6063
(315) 677-3239
[email protected]
Justice Department
LaFayette Town Court 2577 US Route 11, PO Box 135, LaFayette NY 13084
COURT - WEDNESDAY @ 6 PM
Justice
Adrian Shute
(315) 677-9350
(315) 677-4622
Justice
Maureen Perrin
(315) 677-9350
(315) 677-4622
Court Clerk
Carlene LaRonde
(315) 677-9350
(315) 677-4622
[email protected]
Deputy Court Clerk
Debbie Phinney
(315) 677-9350
(315) 677-4622
[email protected]
Deputy Court Clerk
Katey Romancik
(315) 677-9350
(315) 677-4622
[email protected]
Tax Collector
Collector
Deputy Collector
Town Clerk
PO Box 193 LaFayette NY 13084
Kitty Rienhardt
(315) 677-9155
Jackie Bush Roorda
(315) 677-3674
PO Box 193 LaFayette NY 13084
(315)677-9155
(315) 677-0119
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
Mon, Wed, Thurs 9 am - 4 pm & Tues. 9 am - 7 pm
Clerk
Jackie Bush Roorda
(315) 677-3674
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
Deputy Clerk
Kristin Shute Colburn
(315) 677-3674
(315) 677-7806
[email protected]
PAGE 5
ur network of small businesses supporting the buy local initiative is growing. In many communities, support for
O
small business and buying local are increasing in momentum. Buying local strengthens the economic base of the
community. Where we shop, where we eat and have fun—all of it makes our community home. Invest in the
LaFayette community!
If you are a LaFayette based business, please sign up to be included as a resource for LaFayette to buy local!
http://www.townoflafayette.com/business-network-application.html
—Sue Marzo
Name
Address
City
Email
Category
Adams Eden Camp
4812 Cook Rd.
LaFayette
Zip Phone Web Address
13084 677-5121
www.adamsedencamp.com
[email protected]
Other
Services
5600 Shute Rd.
LaFayette
13084 882-0557
www.bushcrane.com
[email protected]
Other
Caz Travel
4087 LaFayette Rd. Jamesville
13078 466-4983
www.caztravel.com
[email protected]
Travel
Double C Ag Trucking LLC
6181 US Route 20
13084 575-3004
[email protected]
Trucking
Bush Crane & Aerial Lift
LaFayette
Gardening/
Landscape/
JG Lawn & Snow
1261 Apulia Rd.
LaFayette
13084 727-9536
LaFayette Chiropractic PLLC 2471 Route 11
LaFayette
13084 677-0107
LaFayette Computer Service 2944 Route 11
LaFayette
476-4025
LaFayette Dental Associates 2509 US Route 11
LaFayette
13084 677-3113
LaFayette Dry Cleaners
LaFayette
13084 677-9525
LaFayette Family Optometry 6157US Rt. 20
LaFayette
LaFayette Kennels
3033 US Route 11
LaFayette Veterinary Clinic
www.jglawnnsnow.com
[email protected]
Snow
[email protected]
Chiropractic
Computer
[email protected]
Services
www.lafayettedentalassociates.com
[email protected]
Dentisty
13084 677-3193
www.lafayettefamilyoptometry.com
[email protected]
Optometry
LaFayette
13084 677-7297
www.lafayettekennels.com
[email protected]
Animal Care
2468 US Route 11
LaFayette
13084 677-3838
www.lafayetteveterinaryclinic.com
[email protected]
Animal Care
M and T Bank
US Rt. 11
LaFayette
13084 677-3116
www.mtb.com
[email protected]
Banking
Maureen A. Perrin P.C.
6006 Route 20
LaFayette
13084 677-3117
[email protected]
Legal
McDonald's
4961 US Rt. 20
LaFayette
13084 682-2371
[email protected]
Restaurant
Motive Cosmetics
3215 Groth Rd.
LaFayette
13084 415-9279
www.motivescosmetics.com/connie
Ron Bush Oil
6046 Rt. 20
LaFayette
13084 677-9746
www.ronbushoil.com
Shutes Water Systems
5684 Route 20
LaFayette
13084 677-5552
[email protected]
LaFayette
13084 569-4309
[email protected]
Improvement
[email protected]
Photography
2507 US Route 11
Other
Health & Beauty
[email protected]
Heating
Water/well
drilling
Home
TCP Contracting
Vision Air - Aerial
5897 Sugar Bush
Videography
Drive
Tully
13159 778-0402
Your Web Connections
3215 Groth Rd.
LaFayette
13084 427-9279
Computer
www.yourwebconnections.com
[email protected]
Services
If you haven’t yet liked the Town of LaFayette on facebook and
twitter you are missing out on real time
information. Follow us today!
PAGE 6
From The Parks Department
W
e welcome this newest
addition to Stafford Park!
Many of you took advantage of
the mild November temperatures
and tried it out. We look forward
to spring so more of the LaFayette
Community can utilize this
wellness activity. Here is a short
summary…
The LaFayette Town Board,
working through Thoma Group,
applied for and received a
Community Development grant
for park improvements in the
form of an exercise circuit. I was
assigned to be the contact person
to see the grant through. Much of
the early process involved site
OPTIMIST WORK TEAM
location and approval, and
choosing the equipment type.
The lengthy mid-section of the work included environmental reviews, and waiting (and waiting) for approval at
the county and federal levels. The last segment moved quickly with site preparation and installation. The paper
trail for the grant from the December 2013 awarding of the funds, to the November 2015 completion, is on file at
the town offices should you wish to review.
So many people helped make this happen and thanks are in order. Tom Kurtz, Alfred Klaiber and Art Gabriel did all
the site work including drainage, concrete pad preparations and grading. The site will be dryer and it looks
fabulous. John Greeley and Steve Robson expertly answered the environmental review questions for the permits,
had to obtain the materials pricing estimates and submit financial reports. This was an incredible amount of work,
special thanks to them. Thank you to the members of the Optimist’s Club that installed the equipment including
Jerry Marzo for leading. Thank you to Community Council for their monetary donation and to Watson’s for their
involvement and support. And of course Tom Chartrand for making sure I handled the entire process correctly. I
thank the town board for the opportunity to oversee the project and am pleased I was able to see it through
before my position ended. So enjoy it, use it and be sure to thank the highway guys when you see them.
The equipment is called Energi Prime. View this you
tube video to introduce yourself to the equipment
https://www.youtube.com/user/ENERGIFitness
Use your smart phone and have your own personal
tutorial! Watch for notices of a grand opening and
“how-to” tour this spring. This is a wonderful
addition to Stafford Park and the LaFayette
Community. May you enjoy continued good health
and happiness in 2016 and beyond.
—Regina Reinschmidt, Recreation Coordinator
PAGE 7
Stafford Park Recreation Path Winter Rules
I
n an effort to provide town residents with
year round opportunities for outdoor
recreation, the town’s Parks Department will
attempt to clear and maintain a section of the
recreation path at Stafford Park again this
winter.
As with last year, only the south segment – the
section of the recreation path that encircles the
playing fields near the concession stand – will
be cleared and maintained. This segment of
the recreation path can be accessed from the
park entrance and parking lot closest to the
new Highway Garage.
The open/closed status of the
recreation path will be
communicated to potential users
via signage at the park and
through social media. Signs
indicating whether the path is
open or closed will be posted at
the entrance to Stafford Park’s three parking
areas; the signs will be visible from the roadway
(Route 11) so you will not have to get out of
your car to know the status of the path. Signs
will also be posted at the entrances to the
recreation path from the parking areas.
Facebook will be used to
communicate the status. If you are
interested in receiving status
updates regarding the recreation path, like the
Town’s Facebook for notifications.
Despite the best efforts of the Parks
Department, and due to changing
weather conditions, snow and ice may
be present on the recreation path.
Please keep in mind that if you
choose to use the recreation path,
you do so at your own risk. PLEASE OBSERVE THE
SIGNS – DO NOT USE THE PATH WHEN IT IS
CLOSED.
Have a safe and healthy winter.
—Dave Prince
PAGE 8
LaFayette Public Library
I
magination Lab events for January and February
do not require registration but it is appreciated so
we know how many to prepare for:
January:
6th: Salt and Ice Experiments
13th: Symphoria Program - String
Instruments
20th: Lego Free Play
27th: DIY Spool Knitting
February:
3rd: Candy Heart Experiments
10th: Valentine's Day Cards
17th: Lego Free Play
24th: Mini Marshmallow Shooters
We have an ongoing teen book club that meets at
6:00 on Tuesdays. The books scheduled for January:
“A Night Divided” by Jennifer Nielson 1/5
“Stardust” by Neil Gaimen 1/12
“Jepp, who defied the Stars” by Katherine Marsh
1/19 & 1/26
Hope you can join us!
In collaboration with the LaFayette Big Picture
School, we had a very successful pumpkin toss,
with a catapult designed by the students. Look
forward to more innovative programs.
We had our second successful Tuesday afternoon
in December. The teas are every 2nd Tuesday of
the month: 2-4:00. Tea/coffee and cookies. Bring
your book club, or your knitting, or a good book
and relax in our newly renovated library.
A reminder that we have a children’s computer
that has over 60 educational programs on it. It is
very popular and we encourage everyone to come
and use it.
As always, we are constantly updating our
collection, whether it is print, audio, or video.
Come on in and “check out” the collection (pun
intended).
We continue to offer computer training for our
patrons. This is a one on one session by
appointment only. Please call 677-3782 and ask
for Scott to make arrangements.
Connect with us at: http://lafayettelibrary.org/
—Scott Kushner
Wednesday
10:30 am– 11:30 am
Thursday 6:30—7:30
PAGE 9
Court Corner
W
inter weather, along with bad driving
conditions, is upon us. Please be mindful of
the road conditions and other drivers around you. We
all want to get to our destinations safely. Please don’t
drink and drive!!!! Use a designated driver or call a
taxi if you are out and drinking.
Our hours are 9:30-12:30 & 1:30-5:00pm MondayThursday. We are closed on Fridays. Our phone
number is (315)677-9350. Our fax number is (315)6774622. Our office and court will be closed 12/23/15,
12/24/15, 12/31/15 & 1/1/16, 1/18/15 & 2/15/16.
Court nights are every Wednesday starting at 6:00pm
Evictions are also on Wednesday at 5:30. Please call
court to schedule.
District Attorney nights are the 3rd Monday of each
month starting at 6:00pm. After we schedule your
appointment, a confirmation letter will be sent to you.
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When you come to court you are expected to be
dressed in presentable attire.
Remove your hats.
Turn your cell phones off.
A sign in desk with instructions is located upon entry
into the court.
DID YOU KNOW: New York State has a mandatory
surcharge amount on most tickets totaling $93.00 for each
ticket. The surcharge on most equipment violations is
$63.00. We have received many questions regarding this
added amount on the tickets and we wanted to clarify the
surcharge is mandatory
and assessed by the state
and not the court.
—Carleen, Debbie & Katey
District Attorney requests can be mailed to:
LaFayette Town Court
PO Box 135
LaFayette, NY 13084
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
U
ncas Lodge #161,
IOOF, Odd Fellows,
located in LaFayette, has
completed a particularly
active year having taken in
nine more new members,
with average age of 30.
This brings us to 25 members, unprecedented in
today’s world. These young members are using “social
media” to communicate with Brother’s
worldwide. The Grand Lodge of Europe has about
93,000 members in nine countries and new lodges are
being formed in four more nations. Odd Fellows
existed in Iron Curtain countries, but were kept secret.
The order has fewer than 60,000 members in North
America, being quite strong in English speaking Canada
but almost completely extinct in some of the US states.
The purpose of the lodge is to form comradely, visit
the sick, take care of widows and children and educate
the orphans based on Friendship, Truth and Love.
Uncas Lodge raised and gave away $1,500.00 to
several worthwhile charities this year and a $500.00
scholarship to a graduating LaFayette senior.
For the first time in our 164 years of continued operation in
LaFayette, Uncas Lodge has had one of the brothers chosen
to hold office in the Grand Lodge of NY. He is Chad Willson
of LaFayette and is the Grand Chaplain for this term.
The lodge meets on the second and forth Thursdays each
month and is always eager to for new members, especially
from the LaFayette area to join with us. Uncas Lodge is the
last lodge left in Onondaga County and its’ doors have never
closed in 164 years, but close at times.
The lodge, from time to time, has “open” meetings to
showcase the lodge and members and the good works.
District Deputy Willson is glad to give more information at
399-6145.
Brother Roy Dodge has written a booklet years ago on Odd
Fellowship in Onondaga Country. A booklet on Odd
Fellowship in Onondaga Country in PDF form is available.
Contact Jim Moltion at [email protected] and he will forward
the file to you. Very interesting history!
—Thad Jackson, Noble Grand
PAGE 10
From the LaFayette Optimists
H
appy New Year from the LaFayette Optimists to the
entire community. With the support of the
town we decorated the town center with the lighted
wreaths and the lighted evergreen and the Manger scene.
The lights on the evergreen were brand new and consist
of 1500 LED bulbs and 1500 feet of wiring! That's 5
football fields length of wires to string. Michael Grimm’s
Tree Service very generously donated the men and
equipment to get the job done right !
level. Watching these youngsters race up and down the
court all you see is effort and concentration. We will
again be doing some raffles to again contribute to a
worthy cause. Food and drinks will be available and yes
the yellow cheezy wheezy stuff will once again be
available to top the Nachos. This tournament was
suggested by , set up by, and run by Optimist Greg Long
with contributions made by lots of members and friends
but he championed this event and a champion he is !
In Christmas seasons past, the Lafayette Optimists have
sponsored the Winterfest. This was usually held in the
latter part of January. Well, between the vagaries of the
weather and other activities attendance has fallen off in
recent years so WINTERFEST IS NO MORE. We thank very
much all who attended and contributed to prior years
including all the local merchants that provided items for
the raffle.
Another line from the Optimist Creed is to promise
yourself..To think only of the best, to work only for the
best, and to expect only the best. If only we could
inculcate our youth with this idea, what a world they
could mold for themselves. Isn’t it better to tell a kid ...in
this great country of ours “the sky is really the
limit..follow your dreams”...rather than …”you’ll never
make much of yourself”. You don’t have to settle for
“OK”. The great Les Brown has a saying…”Shoot for the
Moon..because even if you miss ...you'll land among the
stars !” Of course just expecting the best doesn’t
work...you have to work for it but why not work for the
best not just work to get the job done. To think only of
the best will train your mind to eliminate the negative
thinking that holds so many people back from their best.
Oh you don't think negative thinking really affects you?
Why then do most heart attacks occur on Monday...the
day people return to their job stresses. What you think
affects what you do and what happens to you. The world
will provide plenty of challenges and
discouragements...why not arm yourself with the
best protection available at any price…..an
Optimistic Attitude.
You know us Optimists... we don’t look at this as a
problem or a failure ...rather it's an opportunity to try
something else. We began a new event in LaFayette last
year and it was such a great event with such a great
turnout that we are planning to do it yearly. This year is
the Second Annual Lafayette Optimists 7-8th Grade Boys
Basketball Tournament. This has Optimists written all
over it. It’s for the kids...lots of kids as we have
hosted teams from Tully, OCS, Fabius, and Marcellus. It’s
local ...so we can see the results of our efforts and have
control of the activity..AND its a charity event as we
raised money for a local family in need. That’s an
Optimist Trifecta.!
This year the Tournament will be Saturday Jan 9th at the
High School. It will again involve the 7th and 8th graders.
You don’t have to have a player in the game to come and
watch. You see a lot of attitude both good and bad at
times with professional athletes and even at the college
Follow up on Facebook
—Joe Barry
LaFayette Optimists Give Back with your help
T
raditionally the Optimist Club through its
WinterFest earnings and generous donations by
local businesses and individuals has supported the
LaFayette Outreach Program. Unfortunately, after many
years of wonderful memories and experiences it seems
our WinterFest program has run its course. However,
we would like to continue to support the children of
LaFayette Outreach and are asking for your donations
and support which we will collect and provide directly to
the LaFayette Outreach. As always, the Optimist Club
will make an appropriate donation as well. Please
continue this worthy fund raiser. Donations can be
sent to
Lafayette Optimist Outreach donations
6440 Newell Hill Rd
LaFayette N.Y. 13084
Checks payable to: Lafayette Outreach Program
—Tim Bice
PAGE 11
From the Community Council
Questions about recreational activities can be left on the Community Council phone, 677-7272. Messages will be
retrieved regularly and an LCC board member will return your call. You may also contact any current board member
immediately as follows: President Julie Clarke 559-5826, Vice President Adrian Shute, 727-8012, Treasurer David
Prince 430-5995, Secretary Ellen Tapley-Ryan, 439-9224. Andy Ohstrom is the town liaison to the board, 569-2999.
Visit www.townoflafayette.com/lafayette-community-council.html to find information on programs. Community
Council’s information station is at the town offices—enter the front door and to your immediate right is the display.
The mailing address is: LCC, PO Box 98, LaFayette, NY 13084
Ongoing…
Basketball 5th and 6th grade programs are ready to begin
their games Sat Jan 9th. The 2nd grade program begins
Monday, January 4th from 6-7pm at Grimshaw. 3rd and 4th
graders will be held after February recess. Watch for flyers
from school.
Wrestling Will begin Tuesday, Jan 5th, 6-7:30pm at the
high school in the downstairs wrestling room. Practices are
Tues/Thurs with optional Fri or Sat matches starting soon.
1st-6th graders
Skiing The bus and lessons begin Friday, Jan 8 th. If you are
registered and have questions, please call our main advisor
Wendy Moltion 345-7904. The Friday night pass may still
be purchased for $95, Jan 1st through Jan 8th but you must
go directly to Song to complete the form and pay in person
at their office. Season’s pass price deals have expired.
Hallwalking If you can’t walk outdoors, take advantage of
the school halls to work off those holiday extras!
Grimshaw, Mon-Fri, 5-8pm, enter by cafeteria and sign in
the book. Dry shoes only!
Past programs/thankyou’s…
Volleyball What a great season! We had a record number
of girls (47) participate in our 3rd-6th grade programs.
Thanks to our dedicated coaches: Simone Thornton,
MacKenzie McElhannon and Nicole Rogers. Note-we
welcome and thank Nicole, new to the area, she just
wanted to get involved! Thank you all for volunteering.
Don’t forget volleyball plays a March session too.
Gary Olrich and family LCC would like to thank Gary
Olrich for 20 years of donating his services. Gary has
winterized the water at the concession stand each fall and
turned it back on every spring, plus many repairs in
between. He did this all as a volunteer, due to his
dedication to LCC’s youth programs. We appreciate your
time and we wish you the best in the future.
Adults…
Zumba First session will finish Jan 27th, walk in’s welcome, $4.
Winter/spring session runs Feb 3 through June 22nd, costs $50.
Meets Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm, Grimshaw cafeteria. Please
send session checks by Feb 1st to LCC. Instructor: Tina Knapp
R.I.P.P.E.D- Tabata based exercise First session ends Jan
28th, walk in’s welcome, $4. No class in February. Spring
session runs March 3rd through April 21st costs $25. Meets
Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm, Grimshaw cafeteria. Please send
session checks by Feb 29th to LCC. Instructor: Marie Thornton
Yoga New session begins Monday January 11 th and ends
June 20th . Meets Mon and Wed, Grimshaw café or 1st
classroom on left, 6:30-7:45pm. Cost for one night/week is
$58, or do both for $110. Walk-in’s accepted, but session
payment preferred. Mail to LCC by January 5th. Instructor:
Kate Farrar
Senior/daytime exercise is steadily growing in numbers!
Come join the group to stretch, move, breathe, tone. Ongoing
6-week sessions beginning Tues Jan 5th. Meets Tues, Wed and
Thurs, 8:30-9:30 am at Community Center, costs $35 or $4
walk in. Make checks payable to LCC, but you may turn them
in to the instructor: Kathy Greeley
Men’s Basketball Meets Mondays, 7-9pm at Grimshaw gym,
new players welcome. Thanks to Joe Greco and Mark Dadey
for overseeing sign in sheets, donations and equipment.
Program will run until April 18th. Begins each fall the Monday
after Columbus Day.
Upcoming…Baseball and Lacrosse Signups are typically in
early to mid March. The exact date is TBD, so watch for info
forthcoming. This will be for AVL, ULA and instructional
lacrosse programs.
PAGE 12
LaFayette, NY: a Farming Community; Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow!
O
ur Town’s roots are steeped within the rich
traditions of farming. From LaFayette’s official
origins of 1825 and throughout the past 190 years,
farming has enriched our community and transported
our products throughout the Region and New York
State.
Yesterday’s farms were primarily small dairy farms
dotting every corner of our Town. They primarily
consisted of 15 – 50 head of Holstein cows producing
large volumes of milk that was transported from the
former Onatavia Creamery via the railroad to the
Syracuse area milk processing centers.
Photo Courtesy of Joe Maher
Today the vast majority of those small family farms
have been absorbed by larger farms because of two
primary reasons:
water. NYS DEC is now engaged with the appropriate
farm to not only curb this incident from occurring
once again but, to also levy a fine.
1. Family heirs decided to pursue other jobs and
professions outside of farming.
Our farmers do have Rights that are covered under
the New York State Agriculture and Markets division
and the Town of LaFayette’s Right to Farm Ordinance.
Their rights ensure that they are allowed to pursue
their right the farm in the prescribed agricultural
districts and agricultural lands that are defined within
the Town.
2. The Cost of doing business in the milk industry.
Today’s milk production in the Town is done by four
farms: two who reside in the Town and two who live
outside of the Town but own large areas of farm land
within the Town.
Farm operations have changed over the past twenty
years with the primary change being the size of the
herd that is utilizes to produce America’s staple,
MILK. With the size of the herd comes a different
method of utilizing the waste product of manure.
Manure is still utilized as a fertilizer on freshly cut
fields but it is applied as a liquid manure.
Liquid manure now brings the challenge of coexisting
as neighbors due to the immediate and many times
overwhelming odor when it is initially spread. Plus, it
must be regulated in order to not taint the land or the
supply of underground water or surface water.
Residents (non-farmers) and farms both have Rights.
You as a resident have the right to protect your
property and your water sources. New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation oversees
a Farm Plan for compliance. During September 2015,
liquid manure that was spread over farm field on
Webb Road were in Compliance however due to
heavy rain and a choice to not plow the manure into
the ground after it was applied caused an incident
that resulted in manure runoff from sub surface
There are three areas that we believe must be
addressed in order to sustain our farming heritage
while also coexisting within our current zoning
ordinances, they are;
1. Rights: The Rights our of our residents and of our
farmers to be upheld and understood.
2. Balance: Finding the right methods to apply liquid
manure and other practices that ensure our
residents are minimally affected. To work together
to find the Balance to Co-Exist in our farm
community.
3. Compliance: To ensure that all that work and live
in LaFayette are in compliance with Town, County,
and State statutes.
The Town has been engaged on all three of these
areas and will continue to be involved. We will
continue to communicate during each newsletter on
farming development issues and the impact on our
community. Thank you for reading this!
Town of LaFayette Agricultural Committee,
—Melanie Palmer
—Bill McConnell
PAGE 13
LaFayette Outdoors—After the Climate Conference
F
ollowing the recent climate
conference in early
December, I was left with the
feeling that not even the
delegates believed in attaining
their target dates for decreasing
greenhouse gases since their
previous targets set in the
meetings of 1992 (Rio Janeiro),
1997 (Kyoto) and 2009
(Copenhagen) will be missed,
even as the rate of greenhouse
gas emissions have increased
worldwide. Clearly, the
conference became quite
political, with delegate pronouncements made primarily for
home consumption. The conference was also used as a
forum by third world leaders to demand “reparation”
payments from rich countries like America to “atone” for
past greenhouse gas production.
The big question is: “What practical solutions are there to
reduce human produced greenhouse gases contributing to
global warming.” This space is too small to answer the
question adequately, but it is instructive to briefly look at
experiences of countries like Germany producing 35% of its
energy needs from renewables, and Denmark where
energy management to reduce greenhouse gases has long
been attempted. Keep In mind that
all nations collectively have a long
way to go since currently only 7% of
the world’s primary energy needs are
met by “green” sources like wind,
solar, hydroelectric and nuclear
power. The major sources worldwide
are still “dirty”, namely coal (31%), oil
(31%) and natural gas (31%). China
alone accounted for two thirds of the
world’s increase in greenhouse gas
emissions since 2000.
The fundamental problem with each of the “clean” energy
sources is the following: (1) wind turbines do not generate
electrical energy when the wind stops; (2) ditto with solar
panels at night or when the sun is obscured; (3) as
hydroelectric power depends on gravity, it is minimized in
areas like our Great Plains states or during droughts, and
(4) spent nuclear fuels are hazardous and must be safely
stored. Because of these drawbacks, coal, oil and gas
energy plants have to be maintained as standbys, which
means that the whole system is more costly. Governments
solve these higher costs by increasing taxes on all energy.
Hence, the Danes now pay electrical tariffs 7 times the
wholesale cost of “dirty” energy. Also, since they have a
choice, Danes are switching from electrical power back to
gas for cooking. Danes do derive 44% of their energy
needs from green sources but when the wind stops
blowing in Denmark, its citizens can fortunately tap into
Norway’s hydropower.
The German government is trying hard to phase out
nuclear and coal power. But this government recently
backed down after major riots of its coal miners. Subsidies
for “clean” energy in Germany are high resulting in high
energy taxes; German households currently pay $0.30 per
kilowatt hour of electricity while the French pay only $0.17
per kilowatt hour. However, 40% of electrical power in
France comes from nuclear plants. Closer to home there is
much talk about “green energy”, yet New York State has
not managed to prevent the
impending closure of Oswego’s
nuclear plant. And nationally,
congressional opposition has
prevented use of the existing
national repository for nuclear
wastes in Nevada, a setback for
the whole country. Clearly we
have a long way to go to achieve
our green energy targets, if that is
even possible.
—Rainer Brocke
DRIVERS NEEDED FOR FISH!!!
“Friends in Service Here” is made up of retired community members who drive people who
don’t have rides to doctor appointments. Volunteers sign up for 1 day a month or can be called
randomly. The FISH service drives on Tuesday and Thursday only and has been going for 12 years.
PEACE, Inc. pays for the phone line and does the scheduling and the rest is run by dedicated
volunteers. Many people in our community who would not have been able to get to their
appointments are healthier and happier because of this service. Follow the link below to view their
brochure. They also may be contacted at 315-696-8659 if you can volunteer or to see if you qualify for the service.
http://www.peace-caa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/FISH-brochure.pdf
—Barb Kohberger
PAGE 14
LAFAYETTE ALLIANCE CHURCH
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY
8:00 am and 10:45 am
SUNDAY SCHOOL
SUNDAY
9:30 —10:30 am
Youth Group
SUNDAY
6:00 PM
INTERACTIVE BIBLE
STUDY
SUNDAY
6:00 PM
PRAYER MEETING
WEDNESDAY
7:00 PM
At LaFayette Alliance Church we worship, serve, learn,
enjoy fellowship with one another and reach out to our
world with the life-transforming truth of God’s Word. As
part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, we are a
missions’ minded church. In the spring we have a
missions weekend and in the fall a week-long mission
conference with missionaries serving in various parts of
the world and many opportunities to hear about their
ministries. We are a Christ-centered church and care
about you and your family. If you are looking for a place
to belong, to grow, and to serve, come check us out.
~ Youth Group ~
Our Youth Group (Jr. High 6th – 8th grade and Sr. High 9th
– 12th grade) meets on Sunday evenings in our church
from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. For more information on our youth
group or any of its activities, contact the church.
~ Awana ~
This is a program for boys and girls, age 3 through 12 th
grade. Awana is back and in full swing and meets every
Thursday from 6:30 – 8:10 pm. The children enjoy Bible
lessons, Scripture memorization, and game time. New
For Children…
A Christ-Centered Bible Teaching
Church”
Robert Gates, Senior Pastor
Brian Mandigo, Associate Pastor of
Discipleship
David Booher, Youth Pastor
clubbers are always welcome. Note that Awana will not meet
when the LaFayette School District is closed for vacation or
due to weather.
~ Battalion ~
This is a ministry for boys in 7th – 12th grade that meets every
Monday night at 6:30 pm. Battalion emphasizes character
building, Bible study, indoor and outdoor activities, service
and leadership skills. Come check us out!
~ Clothing Exchange/Give-away ~
We hold this event four times each year. We are planning the
next Clothing Exchange/Give-away in March. Contact the
church or visit our website for more details as they become
available.
~ GriefShare ~
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk
alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
GriefShare classes coming in the Spring.
For Youth…
For Adults…
Sunday School
Vacation Bible
School
Sunday School
Battalion (boys
Sunday School Retreats
7–12th gr)
Nursery
Bible Quizzing
Youth Group
Bible Quizzing Bible Studies Home Groups
Children’s Church Awana (age 3-6th gr) Youth Retreats
Outreach
Events/Mission Discipleship
Trips
Mission Trips
If you would like further information concerning our church or any of its programs,
please contact the church office at 677-9810. We are located at the corner of Route 20 and LaFayette
Road in LaFayette. The church is handicap accessible.
Check us out on the web! You can listen to Pastor Rob’s messages, read our monthly newsletter, the
Lamplighter and find out even more details about our various programs.
www.lafayettealliance.org
PAGE 15
Pastor Shawn Reyburn
Corner of Route 11 & Route 20
LaFayette, N.Y. 13084
(315) 677-3293
For a full schedule of upcoming events, find us online at Columbianpresbyterianchurch.com or
follow us on FACEBOOK
Columbianpresbyterianchurch.com
[email protected]
Sunday School 9:30am
Worship Service 11:00am
www.facebook.com/pages/LaFayette-Columbian-Presbyterian-Church
January

Men’s Breakfast, Monday, January 4, 6:00 am
Family Worship Service, Sunday, January 17, 6:00 pm
 Youth Breakfast, Friday, January 22, 7:00 am
 January Blahs Luncheon, Sunday, January 24, noon—2 pm
February
 Men's Breakfast, Monday, February 1, 6:00 am
 Close to my Heat (scrapbooking) Workshop, Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am—10:00 pm
 Ash Wednesday: Lenten Series begins, Wednesday, February 10, Soup & Bread at 6:30 pm and
Service at 7:00 pm
 Lenten Series, Wednesday, February 17 Soup and Bread at 6:30 pm and Service at 7:00 pm
 Annual Birthday Dinner, Sunday, February 21 noon—2:00 pm & Family Worship Service, 6:00 pm
 Lenten Series, Wednesday February 24, Soup and Bread at 6:30 pm and Service at 7:00 pm
 Youth Breakfast, Friday, February 26 7:00 am

A Taste of
Chocolate
Saturday February
13, 1:00—4:00 pm
Sweets for your
sweetheart
Full and sample
sized chocolate
treats for sale
A delicious
fundraiser for
LaFayette
Outreach, Inc.
PAGE 16
Town of LaFayette
2577 Route 11
P.O. Box 193
LaFayette, NY 13084
Presorted
Standard
US Postage Paid
LaFayette, NY
Permit No. 5
Current Resident
Rural Route/Box Holder
LaFayette, NY 13084
Upcoming Events
DATE
January 9
EVENT
Optimist Basketball
Tournament
LOCATION
ADD'L INFO
LaFayette High School
9:00 am
January 12
2016 Organizational
Meeting
LaFayette Town Hall
5:00 –6:00 refreshments
Meeting to follow
February 9
Town Board Meeting
LaFayette Town Hall
7:00 pm
February 13
A Taste of Chocolate
Columbian Presbyterian Church 1:00-4:00 pm
LaFayette Town Hall
Town Clerk—4:00—7:00 pm
Codes—6:00—7:00 pm
LCC—6:00—6:30 pm
1st 3rd & 4th Tuesday
Town Supervisor
of month
LaFayette Town Hall
5:30—7:30 pm
3rd Tuesday of month Planning Board
LaFayette Town Hall
7:00 pm
4th Tuesday of month Zoning Board
LaFayette Town Hall
7:00 pm
Every Tuesday
Town Hall Tuesdays
More detailed calendar is located at: http://www.townoflafayette.com If you have an event you would like
added please email [email protected]
LaFayette Town Offices — PO Box 193, 2577 Route 11, LaFayette, NY 13084
Ph.: 677-3674 Fax: 677-7806
LaFayette Info Officer: [email protected]
Town website — http://www.townoflafayette.com
Facebook—Town of LaFayette –https://www.facebook.com/TownofLaFayetteNY
Facebook—LaFayette Highway Dept. —https://facebook.com/lafayettehighwaydept
Twitter- https://twitter.com/TownofLaFayette
DEADLINE FOR MARCH NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 5
COVERS MARCH—APRIL
CONTACT LAFAYETTE INFO OFFICER LAFAYETTEINFOOFFICER @CNYMAIL.COM